Chris Hayes (Fowler, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

I congratulate the member for North Sydney in moving this motion, drawing attention to this milestone—150 years since the founding of the Sisters of St Joseph of the Sacred Heart. The Sisters of St Joseph have certainly enriched many of our lives throughout our communities, but their involvement in education is how many of us came into contact with them. What they did through advocacy, particularly for the poor, dealing with rural access in various aspects, and what they do in aged care are things which I think are absolutely commendable.

The Sisters of St Joseph were founded in 1866 by Mary MacKillop and Father Julian Woods. Mary MacKillop is now Saint Mary of Cross, after she was canonised by Pope Benedict in 2010, just over 100 years after her passing. The Josephites are a direct legacy of Mary MacKillop's dedication to her faith, to her community and to helping others in need, particularly women and children. The legacy started in the small country town of Penola in South Australia and now extends globally to over 800 sisters ministering to congregations throughout Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, Peru, East Timor, Scotland and Brazil.

I first came in contact with the Sisters of St Joseph when I was five and attended St Luke's Primary School at Revesby. We knew them as the 'Brown Joeys'. It was in kindergarten, under Sister Anne, that I came in contact with the former member for Banks, Daryl Melham. We have had a lifelong association ever since. The Sisters of St Joseph have something to be proud of: they have two members in this parliament from the same kindergarten. My personal association with the Josephites continued through my wife's auntie, Sister Paul Maria—as we know her, Auntie Gladys. Going back a number of years, in a young family, while Bernadette and her sister Margaret made Auntie Gladys's habits, I got to see the very selfless nature of the women who dedicate themselves to God and to people in need.

Today I would like to focus on some other aspects of the important roles undertaken by the Josephites throughout the global community. For instance, the Josephite countertrafficking project was established by Sister Margaret Ng. This project provides resources to people who have been trafficked or exploited, especially those from Asia-Pacific backgrounds. Many of these women have been identified as victims of human trafficking and slavery. Sister Ng and her team provide culturally sensitive mentoring. They have joined forces with a range of organisations, including the Australian Federal Police, to provide programs to assist in addressing this scourge of human trafficking and to assist these women to live a better quality of life. Human trafficking is such a serious issue. It is not just limited to sex work, which many are involved in. As we have seen, men and women have been exploited in the hospitality and construction industries. Also, they are often victims of domestic violence.

The work of helping others in need is a legacy that Mary MacKillop started 150 years ago. I recently attended the Mary MacKillop Catholic College in Wakeley for their celebrations of 150 years of the order, which was attended by many of the nuns. Most of the Catholic clergy in my electorate were there. It was great to see the principal of the school, Narelle Archer, and all the young women turn up. It was great to see the way they revered Mary MacKillop.

When I look at the photos of Mary MacKillop, that is the way I remember nuns. When I was in kindergarten they all looked the same.

To Sister Monica Cavanagh, the leader of the congregation, and her team of sisters: your order has made a remarkable contribution to the betterment for our community. We are truly in your debt.

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